Donquixote Doflamingo, the former Warlord of the Sea and ruler of Dressrosa, is one of the most notorious villains in One Piece. After his defeat at the hands of Monkey D. Luffy, he was imprisoned in Impel Down, the most feared underwater prison of the World Government. However, despite his confinement, an attempt was made on his life—an event that shocked many fans.
But why was Doflamingo targeted for assassination in Impel Down? This article explores the possible reasons, the culprits, and the implications this event has for the larger One Piece world.
1. The Mystery of the Assassination Attempt
After being defeated and stripped of his Shichibukai (Warlord) title, Doflamingo was sent to Impel Down under heavy surveillance. However, he revealed in Chapter 801 that someone had attempted to assassinate him in his cell. While the details of the assassination attempt remain unclear, it suggests that powerful individuals still viewed him as a major threat even after his imprisonment.
This raises an important question: Who wanted Doflamingo dead, and why?
2. The Most Likely Culprits Behind the Assassination Attempt
There are several possible suspects who might have had a motive to eliminate Doflamingo in Impel Down.
2.1 The World Government & The Celestial Dragons
Motive: To Silence Doflamingo and Protect Their Secrets
Doflamingo is one of the few characters who holds dangerous information about the Celestial Dragons and the true history of the world. As a former Celestial Dragon, he knows about Mariejois’s national treasure, which he hinted could shake the world if revealed (Chapter 761).
Since Imu, the secret ruler of the World Government, has shown a willingness to eliminate threats, it’s highly likely that Imu or the Gorosei (Five Elders) ordered the assassination. If Doflamingo were to speak about what he knows, it could cause a political disaster for the World Government.
🔹 Supporting Evidence:
- Doflamingo himself states that Admiral Magellan (the warden of Impel Down) is protecting him from an assassination attempt (Chapter 801).
- The World Government has a history of erasing individuals who know too much (Ohara, Lulusia Kingdom, etc.).
🔹 Likelihood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
The World Government has the strongest motive and resources to eliminate Doflamingo.
2.2 Former Underworld Associates & Enemies
Motive: Revenge & Power Struggles
Before his fall, Doflamingo was the most powerful broker in the underworld, operating under the alias “Joker”. His criminal empire included arms dealing, human trafficking, and SMILE production for Kaido, one of the former Yonko.
With his defeat and imprisonment, his empire collapsed, and many former allies saw an opportunity to rise in power. The underworld is filled with power-hungry individuals, and some may have wanted to remove Doflamingo permanently to ensure he never reclaims his position.
🔹 Potential Enemies in the Underworld:
- The Five Elders (Gorosei): They benefited from his operations but may want to silence him now.
- Kaido’s Remnants: Doflamingo was Kaido’s SMILE supplier, and his fall directly impacted Kaido’s power.
- Other Crime Lords: Figures like Giberson, Umit, and Morgans may have wanted to eliminate competition.
🔹 Likelihood: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
While likely, Doflamingo’s power and influence were already destroyed, making his death less urgent for the underworld.
2.3 Cipher Pol (CP0) & The Marines
Motive: Covering Up Government Corruption
Cipher Pol 0 (CP0), the highest intelligence agency of the World Government, worked closely with Doflamingo to maintain control over Dressrosa and the black market. However, with Doflamingo’s arrest, there was a risk he could expose their dealings.
🔹 Why Would CP0 Kill Him?
- He blackmailed the World Government into keeping his Warlord title (revealed in Chapter 700).
- He had evidence of corrupt government dealings, which could destroy CP0’s reputation.
🔹 Likelihood: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
CP0 is known for silencing threats, making them a very possible culprit.
2.4 Kaido & His Beast Pirates
Motive: Revenge for the SMILE Factory’s Destruction
One of the biggest consequences of Doflamingo’s downfall was the end of SMILE production. SMILEs were artificial Devil Fruits that Kaido used to build his Zoan army. Without them, Kaido lost a major military advantage, leading to his eventual defeat.
🔹 Would Kaido Have Ordered His Assassination?
- Kaido had no need to assassinate Doflamingo after the SMILE supply ended.
- If anything, Kaido wanted to kill Doflamingo himself, not through an assassination.
🔹 Likelihood: ⭐⭐ (2/5)
While Kaido had a motive, it seems unlikely he’d bother with a secret assassination.
3. What Does This Mean for the Future of One Piece?
Doflamingo’s assassination attempt has several major implications for the One Piece endgame:
3.1 Doflamingo Could Reveal the Truth About Mariejois
If Doflamingo survives and escapes Impel Down, he could become a major player in the final war against the World Government. His knowledge of Mariejois’s secrets makes him an important target for both the Revolutionaries and pirates.
3.2 He Might Join Cross Guild or the Final War
Since Crocodile and Mihawk are forming Cross Guild, there’s a possibility Doflamingo could join them if he escapes. His connections, experience, and power make him a valuable asset in a war against the Marines.
3.3 Impel Down Level 6 Prisoners May Escape Again
The last time Impel Down prisoners escaped, it changed the world. If Doflamingo’s assassination attempt triggers another escape, we could see even stronger criminals resurface.
4. Conclusion: Who Wanted Doflamingo Dead?
After analyzing all possibilities, the most likely culprit is the World Government or CP0, as they had the strongest reason to silence him.
However, One Piece is full of surprises, and Oda may have unexpected plans for Doflamingo. Whether he survives or dies, his knowledge of Mariejois’s treasure and government corruption makes him a key figure in the final war.
🔹 What do you think? Was the World Government behind the attack, or was it one of Doflamingo’s many enemies? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🔥
Follow on Twitter